ACTION recognizes 5 who serve the Valley

YOUNGSTOWN

One of the biggest rewards for 1st Ward Councilwoman Annie Gillam is simply seeing blossoms in place of blight.

For spearheading such efforts, Gillam found herself taking home another kind of reward.

“Blight is a big concern of mine. I’m glad someone recognized my efforts,” Gillam said before taking home a service award during ACTION’s ninth annual banquet and fundraiser event Thursday in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish’s social hall, 343 Via Mount Carmel Drive.

Gillam and four other people and institutions were honored and received awards from the Alliance for Congregational Transformation Influencing Our Neighborhoods for their commitment to bring positive changes to the Mahoning Valley.

The other recipients were Herb Washington, a local entrepreneur; William Mullane, an educator and activist; the Rev. Terrence Hazel, pastor of St. Michael Church in Canfield; and the Raymond J. Wean Foundation.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.